EP2517929A2 - Light module of a motor vehicle for creating basic distribution for a high beam light distribution - Google Patents

Abstract

The module (80) has a blocking segment retrofitted to basic light distribution of high beam light distribution. The high beam light distribution is formed by superposition of the basic light distribution, and spot light distributions are generated by a spot light module (84). The module is sub-divided into a separately controlled lower module (82), where the block segment generates the basic light distribution. Another lower module deactivates a light source i.e. LED, during operation of the light module, and the block segment lies in a zone.

Description

The present invention relates to a light module of a motor vehicle. The module is used to generate a basic distribution of a high beam light distribution. The high beam light distribution is formed by a superimposition of the basic distribution and a spot distribution generated by at least one other module.

The invention also relates to a motor vehicle headlight for generating a high beam light distribution. The headlight comprises a light module which is designed to generate a basic distribution of the high-beam light distribution. The high beam light distribution is formed by a superposition of the basic distribution and a spot distribution generated by at least one other module.

Finally, the present invention also relates to a headlight system for a motor vehicle, comprising two in A motor vehicle headlight of the type mentioned above, which is arranged laterally on the vehicle, is a front region.

Generic light modules or motor vehicle headlights for generating high beam, in which the high beam is formed by a superposition of a focused spot distribution and a diffuse basic distribution are known in different embodiments of the prior art. An outer edge of the spot distribution is relatively soft at the sides, but has a steeper slope to a vertical than the basic distribution. The basic distribution has a greater extent in the horizontal and vertical direction than the spot distribution. The maximum illuminance of the basic distribution is lower than that of the spot distribution, which has a higher range than the basic distribution. The basic distribution not only illuminates a region around the spot distribution in the manner of a halo (light ring) with a soft edge, but also superimposes the spot distribution and thus contributes to achieving the desired illuminance maxima in the area of the spot distribution.

The spot distribution can be achieved in any way. From the prior art, various light modules for generating a spot distribution are known. These can be designed as projection or reflection systems and can have as light sources incandescent lamps, gas discharge lamps, semiconductor light sources, in particular light emitting diodes (LEDs), or others.

Corresponding high-beam concepts known from the prior art are, for example, the following:

- Full main beam from one or more reflector chambers without vertical subdivision.

A corresponding headlamp with a light module for producing a typical halogen high beam, a high beam of a bi-xenon headlamp, or a high beam of a light emitting diode (LED) headlight is exemplified in FIG. 1 represented and designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 2. The light module for generating the high beam, which may be formed, for example, as a reflection or as a projection module, is designated by the reference numeral 4. The headlight 2 may have a further light module 6 for generating a low beam. A high-beam module with LED light sources can be subdivided into different modules, for example different high-beam reflector chambers, at least one of the modules or one of the chambers for generating the spot distribution and at least one other of the modules or another of the chambers for generating the basic distribution ,

- Partial remote light

In the case of the split-beam main beam, an area of the high-beam light distribution is deliberately shaded in a xenon high-beam module. In this case, movable, in particular shadowed about a horizontal axis of rotation, flat aperture arrangements and / or diaphragm rollers from a range of the high beam, were detected in the other road users. This creates bright or dark zones with extended vertical light / dark boundaries. The diaphragms for generating the zones are moved with a suitable actuator, for example with a stepper motor, such that a vehicle in front or an oncoming vehicle lies in the region of the dark zone.

A corresponding application example is, for example, a headlamp with a Bifunktionsmodul with xenon light source and a diaphragm assembly comprising a plurality of diaphragm elements, which are in the plane of the diaphragm assembly by means of a slotted guide relative to each other displaceable (eg pivotable). The aperture arrangement with slide guide is from the DE 10 2005 012 303 A1 known. A corresponding light module is, for example, from the EP 1 640 658 A2 known. By shifting the diaphragm elements relative to each other results in a variable profile of the horizontal light / dark boundary. The light module alone generates a high beam distribution. Thus, the high beam does not result from a superposition of a spot and a basic distribution. Bifunction means that the light module can be used both for the generation of low beam and high beam. The known headlamps produce in addition to high beam and AFS (Adaptive Frontlighting System) -compliant low beam according to regulation 123 ECE.

FIG. 2 shows, by way of example, the light distribution 10 of a partial high-beam light, as is produced by a headlight of a headlight system of a motor vehicle on a measuring screen 12 arranged at a distance in front of the vehicle. On the measuring screen 12 is at 0 ° vertically a horizontal HH and at 0 ° horizontally a vertical VV drawn. The other headlight of the headlight system generates a light distribution 10 mirrored to the illustrated light distribution around the vertical VV. The partial high-beam light distribution 10 produced by a headlight or the corresponding light module according to FIG FIG. 2 includes a vertical light / dark boundary 14 and an adjacent horizontal bright / dark boundary 16, the few 1/10 degrees (eg 0.57 °) below the horizontal HH runs. The horizontal position of the vertical light / dark boundaries 14 of the partial high-beam light distributions 10 can be varied, for example, by horizontal pivoting of the corresponding light module or of the entire headlight. By superimposing a left and a right partial high-beam 10, there are hidden zones with variable width and orientation in the road space in front of the motor vehicle.

A corresponding overall sub-beam light distribution 18 with a hidden zone 20 is exemplified in FIG FIG. 3 shown. The vertical bright / dark border of the generated by the other headlamps of the headlamp system and the Teilfernlicht-light distribution 10 from FIG. 2 Mirrored light distribution is in FIG. 3 denoted by the reference numeral 14 '. It is characteristic that the floodlights for generating this light distribution comprise one or two projection or reflection modules and each module generates a sharp vertical light / dark boundary 14, 14 '. In each headlight, a single high-beam light distribution with a vertical light / dark boundary 14 results from a single module; 14 '.

A corresponding headlamp with a xenon Bifunktions module is exemplary in FIG. 4 shown and designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 26. The light module for generating the partial high-beam light is designated by the reference numeral 28. The xenon Bifunktions module 26 generates in addition to a dimmed light distribution below a horizontal light / dark boundary, the entire high beam light distribution as a whole, ie not divided into spot and basic distribution.

An LED Bifunktions module works analogous to the Xenon Bifunktions module and also provides a vertical Bright / dark limit available. However, it is relatively narrow in size and focuses on the spot area of the light distribution. It can produce a spot distribution for both low beam and high beam. To switch between low beam spot and high beam spot, the LED Bifunktions module via a movable or changeable aperture arrangement, for example. Have a rotatable about a horizontal axis roller shutter in the beam path. A spot distribution produced by an LED Bifunktions module, as it results on a measuring screen 30 is exemplified in FIG. 5 shown above and designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 32. The vertical light / dark boundary is denoted by the reference numeral 34, the adjacent horizontal light / dark boundary by the reference numeral 36. A corresponding light module is, for example, from the DE 10 2007 049 309 A1 known.

A special feature of the LED Bifunktions module and other such concepts with LEDs as light sources is the requirement of a second high beam, which complements the spot-like high beam distribution of the LED Bifunktions module with lower intensity and technical demand (eg no vertical light / dark boundary). Such a basic distribution generated by a corresponding second high-beam module, as it results on a measuring screen 38, is exemplary in FIG FIG. 5 shown below and designated by the reference numeral 40. The second high beam module for generating the basic distribution can be designed, for example, as an LED projection module with a roller shutter.

Since a single LED chip according to the current state of the art delivers about 250 lumens (lm), but a gas discharge lamp over 3000 lm, are used to generate the desired or legally prescribed illuminance values several LED chips needed. The more chips sit close to each other, the higher the thermal outlay and the effort required to contact the LED chips. A module with about 14 to 15 closely juxtaposed chips would be connected to today's state of the art with very high cooling costs and also technically difficult to handle. The familiar LED Bifunktions module from Automotive Lighting therefore uses only four LED chips. A higher LED density is unknown.

The required for generating a high beam with an LED Bifunktions module wide supplementary high beam or high beam basic distribution (see. FIG. 5 below) is usually generated from a second module. A corresponding headlight is schematically in FIG. 6 shown and designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 46. The LED Bifunktions module (spot module) 48 generates the light distribution with vertical bright / dark border 34 as a partial high beam in oncoming traffic, and the base light module 50 generates a quasi-symmetric high beam base distribution 40 to complement.

- Marking light

Through an additional slot in the xenon or LED Bifunktions modules also a single bright illuminated strip per module can be generated. This brightly lit strip can be used as a so-called marker light for targeted illumination of located on the roadway or next to the vehicle and detected objects (people or objects) with a high-beam-like intensity. A corresponding light distribution of a marking light resulting on a measuring screen 56 is shown in FIG FIG. 7 shown by way of example and designated in their entirety by the reference numeral 58. The light stripe 60 has a horizontal extent of about 1 ° to 4 ° on the measuring screen 56 or on the road and extends in the vertical direction to the actual high beam region of the light distribution 58. An illumination device of Automotive Lighting for generating a marker light for example, from the DE 20 2010 006 097 U1 known.

The bright strip 60 of the marker light 58 is generated from a single module, for example, from the spot module 50 of the headlight FIG. 6 , or by a small separate reflection module in the front region of the motor vehicle, for example. In the bumper.

- LED module with matrix-like LED light sources (matrix beam)

In this case, a high beam with a relatively limited distribution (about +/- 15 °) is divided into individual rectangular pixels. These are generated by individual LEDs, which can be individually controlled as in a matrix. Thus, for example, a high-beam spot with discretely variable vertical light / dark boundary can be generated. A corresponding headlamp is exemplified schematically in FIG FIG. 8 shown and designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 64. The LED matrix module 66 generates a spot distribution of a high beam and another module 68, for example, corresponding to the basic light module 50 of the headlight 46 FIG. 6 , generates a basic distribution of the high beam. A light distribution 72 of the LED matrix module 66, as it results on a screen 74, is exemplified in FIG FIG. 9 shown. Headlight for generating a corresponding light distribution 72 are for example, from the DE 10 2009 053 581 B3 as well as from the DE 10 2008 013 603 A1 known.

In summary, it is said that in all current solutions it is characteristic to produce a high-resolution (ie, high-accuracy) core light distribution (or spot distribution) and a low-demand "halo" light distribution (or basic distribution). As a rule, two modules are used per mounting side or per headlamp. Both in the known concept LED Bifunktions module as well as in the known concept of an LED module with arrayed LED light sources, an additional high beam module is required, which generates a "halo" remote light distribution outside the core light distribution to the periphery, ie Zones outside the core light distribution, fill up with less intensity. Changes in the resulting high-beam light distribution can only be seen from the driver's perspective. For an oncoming road user, the changes in the distribution of light in their entirety but are usually not visible.

From the EP 2 085 264 A2 is a headlamp is known in which the high beam from a superposition of a low beam and a high beam light distribution, which illuminates only a remote area in front of the motor vehicle above a light / dark boundary, is generated. However, the high beam light distribution does not consist of a superimposition of a spot distribution and a basic distribution. Although the high beam light distribution is divided into several block segments, these are sharply demarcated at their edges and do not overlap.

From the DE 10 2008 044 968 A1 as well as from the DE 10 2009 020 619 A1 a vehicle headlamp is known, which has an LED matrix with a plurality of matrix-like in rows and rows side by side and one above the other arranged LEDs as a light source. By the LED matrix, a light distribution can be generated, which is divided according to the arrangement of the LEDs in the LED matrix in a plurality of matrix-like arranged block segments. It is not explicitly mentioned that the light distribution is a high beam light distribution. But if the light distribution were to be considered as such, it would not result from a superimposition of a spot distribution and a fundamental distribution.

Based on the described prior art, the present invention has the object, in a headlight whose high beam light distribution is generated by a superimposition of a spot distribution and a basic distribution to increase the degrees of freedom in the generation and variation of the light distribution and thereby even better to allow situation-appropriate illumination of the road ahead of the vehicle. In addition, the aim is to make the special high beam function to the outside for other road users recognizable.

To solve this problem, it is proposed to use for generating the high beam light distribution as before any central module for generating a spot distribution in the core area of the high beam light distribution. Particular attention is, however, according to the invention dedicated to the light module for generating the basic distribution of the high beam light distribution (the so-called. Halo high beam). In particular, the basic distribution no longer consists of a single, general halo high beam. Rather, this nonspecific light distribution is divided into several zones or block segments, which become the basic distribution complete. Each block segment is generated by its own sub-module of the light module.

High-beam light distribution is understood to mean, in particular, a light distribution which illuminates an area in front of the vehicle above a horizontal bright / dark boundary of a dimmed light distribution. With simultaneous activation of the high beam light distribution together with the dimmed light distribution, a high beam corresponding to the legal requirements results. The composition of the high beam from a dimmed light distribution and a high beam light distribution may be advantageous for achieving the highest possible variability of the light distribution. Furthermore, in this way the high values for the luminous flux of the high beam can be realized in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner.

As a high beam light distribution in the context of the present invention, however, a high beam is understood that meets the legal requirements for the high beam without an additional light beam below the light / dark boundary, eg. A dimmed light distribution. This applies in particular to the ECE traffic area, but less to the SAE traffic area, where measuring points below the horizontal (HH line) are specified and must be met. However, such a high beam light distribution is composed of a superposition of a spot distribution and a basic distribution. The basic distribution would also extend below the horizontal or below the light / dark boundary of a dimmed light distribution.

Each sub-module preferably comprises at least one, preferably several, separately controllable, ie on and switchable and / or dimmable, light source, eg. In the form of a semiconductor light source, in particular in the form of a light emitting diode (LED). In addition, each sub-module comprises at least one primary optics for bundling the light emitted by the light sources, for example in the form of a reflector or a front lens made of transparent material. The light emitted by the at least one of the attachment optics light emitted light is coupled via light entry surfaces in the attachment optics. At least a portion of the coupled-in light is reflected or totally reflected at lateral interfaces of the optical attachment. The light coupled into the attachment optics is, if appropriate after a total reflection at one of the interfaces, coupled out via light exit surfaces of the attachment optics from this. The focusing of the light of the light sources thus takes place by refraction at the light entrance and / or the light exit surfaces and optionally by reflection or total reflection at the reflector or interfaces of the primary optics. The light bundled by the primary optics can be used directly to generate the basic distribution. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the light bundled by the primary optics to be projected forward in the direction of travel of the motor vehicle via secondary optics of the light module, for example in the form of a reflector or a projection lens. It is conceivable that a common secondary optics for the light bundled by several primary optics or for the light bundled by each of the primary optics a separate secondary optics is used. In particular, it is conceivable that a single common secondary optics is used for the light bundled by all the primary optics of the light module.

The module for generating the halo high beam is thus divided into several elements or sub-modules. All sub-modules Together they produce the Halo high beam. The division into different sub-modules provides an additional degree of freedom for both the headlamp design as well as the visible communication of the generation and the nature and design of the light to the outside, so for perceived by other road users night design of the headlamp invention. The sub-modules are preferably arranged side by side in a row. The line may have the form of a straight line or a curved or curved shape.

The present invention offers the possibility of selectively masking out partial areas or individual zones of the basic distribution by means of a mechanic-free arrangement of rectangular or square-shaped, oval or parallelogram-shaped light distributions, each with its own vertical light / dark boundary. In technical terms, therefore, the invention corresponds to a switchable sequence of a plurality of horizontally offset block segments, each illuminated about 3 ° to 10 ° wide, i. form bright zones that complement each other to the basic distribution of a high beam distribution. Furthermore, the light module according to the invention can achieve the desired basic distribution of a high beam light distribution with a particularly low effort and at the same time offers a high degree of flexibility with regard to the design of the basic distribution. In particular, it is possible to respond dynamically to oncoming and preceding road users, i. By dimming and / or deactivating individual block segments, partial areas of the basic distribution can be hidden if other road users have been detected in them.

While the deactivation of light sources to prevent dazzling other road users too deactivation sub-modules can be abruptly and suddenly, however, an activation of the light sources of previously deactivated sub-modules particularly advantageous not abruptly and suddenly, but slowly and continuously, following a ramp-shaped course. In particular, the light sources, calculated from the beginning of their activation at the earliest after 0.5 seconds, preferably only after 1 second, have reached about 95% of the maximum value of their specific light emission.

In order to detect other road users, the motor vehicle preferably has at least one optical image acquisition system and suitable image processing software for evaluating the acquired images with regard to the detection of other road users. The image acquisition system can be designed as a camera and is preferably arranged in a front region of the motor vehicle, for example behind the windshield, in particular in the region of the interior rearview mirror.

The spot distribution can be generated by any other light module. This can be designed as a reflection or as a projection module. The spotlight module can use any light sources, in particular halogen lamps, gas discharge lamps or light emitting diodes (LEDs). In general, one will try to use for the spotlight module, the same types of light sources, as were used for the basic light module, in order to achieve the most color possible illumination of the long range. In the choice of the light sources of the modules for generating the high beam light distribution will try again to be based on the light sources of the low beam module to ensure the most uniform illumination of the entire high beam area in front of the vehicle (comprising the dimmed Light distribution and the high beam light distribution). For the dynamic response to other road users, the spot distribution can be divided into different zones, which can be switched on or off individually and in groups and / or dimmed. The zones can be rectangular or substantially square in shape and arranged in a matrix in several rows and columns. Alternatively, the zones may also be formed in the form of vertical strips and arranged side by side in a single line (cf., for example, FIG. DE 10 2011 017 630.6 ).

According to the invention, the high-beam light distribution used to generate the high-beam far-field light is divided into different zones which do not have to have the same requirements as a strip or matrix (spot) high beam. For example, the block segments do not have to have any extremely sharp vertical light / dark boundaries, but can be relatively blurred and diffuse at the edges. In particular, the requirements for the sharpness of the light / dark boundary below the current requirements in the so-called. Matrix beam, namely, starting from a lighted area within 0.5 ° to achieve a drop to a glare-free level, i. a drop of about 95% of maximum intensity to <5% of maximum intensity. Furthermore, the block segments can be higher than in the so-called. Matrix beam, and they do not require a particularly pronounced and strong maximum.

In particular, the illuminated block segments, which together form the basic distribution of the high-beam light distribution, have a vertical extension of greater than 3 ° to 4 ° above the horizontal, preferably from about 5 ° to 15 ° above the horizontal. The block segments extend when traveling straight ahead of the vehicle in the horizontal direction preferably symmetrical to a vertical. The height of the block segments preferably decreases with increasing distance from the vertical, so that the block segments at the edge region of the basic distribution have a lower height than the block segments in the center of the basic distribution, ie in the region of the vertical. In the horizontal direction, the basic distribution extends on a virtual, arranged in front of the vehicle screen over a range of a maximum of about -30 ° to + 30 ° and a minimum of about -10 ° to + 10 °. The block segments thus complement each other in the horizontal direction to the said horizontal extension of the basic distribution. The individual block segments preferably have a horizontal extension of 3 ° to 10 °, wherein the horizontal extent of the individual block segments of the basic distribution can also be different. Thus, the light module has between 5 and 10 sub-modules to produce as many block segments. It is particularly preferred if the light module has three to ten sub-modules and the basic distribution is divided into three to ten block segments.

Preferably, an intensity maximum of the illuminated block segments is in each case on the horizon (HH line) or just above the horizon on the side of the block segments directed to the vertical (VV line). The block segments each have a maximum intensity in a region directed towards an intersection of the horizontal and the vertical. The illuminance preferably decreases in the horizontal and in the vertical direction with increasing distance from the region of the intensity maximum. The block segments each have a maximum illuminance in the area of the intensity maximum that is in one area between 5 lux (1x) and 40 lx, in particular between 10 lx and 30 lx, very particularly preferably between 10 lx and 20 lx. In a range of about 3 ° to 4 ° horizontally in a high beam light distribution, the intensity along a horizontal (HH line) to about 1/3 of the maximum illuminance in the range of the maximum intensity (approximately at an intersection HV of the horizontal HH and a Vertical VV) dropped off. The block segments arranged in this area of the high-beam light distribution have a corresponding illuminance. In particular, the illuminance in this range is between 1.5 lx and 15 lx, in particular between 3 lx and 10 lx, very particularly preferably between 3 lx and 7 lx. The illuminance can be greater in the block segments arranged in the center of the basic distribution than in the block segments arranged at the edge of the light distribution.

A gradient of the illuminance at the edge of the individual block segments on a side of the block segments directed toward the vertical (VV line) is advantageously greater than on a side of the block segments facing away from the vertical. Preferably, the illumination intensity of the individual block segments on a side of the block segments directed towards the vertical falls within approximately 0.5 ° to 10 ° horizontally, in particular from 1 ° to 5 ° horizontally, particularly preferably from 1 ° to 3 ° horizontally, from 95 ° % of the maximum intensity of the block segment to less than 5% of the intensity maximum. This means that the intensity has reached a glare-free level from an intensity maximum as fast as possible within 1 ° horizontally (with a particularly steep gradient). With a shallower gradient, the glare-free level will only become horizontal after about 5 ° reached. Of course, the gradient can also assume any other values between 1 ° and 5 °.

The regions of the intensity maxima of the block segments are advantageously spaced from one another in the basic distribution. Block segments arranged side by side in the basic distribution can overlap at their edges. The overlap between adjacent segments may be between 1 ° and 5 °.

The light module according to the invention for generating the basic distribution of a plurality of block segments can be arranged at any point in the front region of the motor vehicle within the scope of the legal requirements. Preferably, however, the light module is designed as part of a headlight and arranged in a housing of the headlight. In addition to the basic light module, the headlight can also have an arbitrarily designed spotlight module for generating the spot distribution overlying the basic distribution, so that the high beam light distribution can be generated solely by the headlight. If, for the fulfillment of the legal requirements for the high beam, a superimposition of the high beam light distribution with a further light distribution, for example a dimmed light distribution with a horizontal bright / dark boundary (in particular a low beam light distribution), the headlight can also be a corresponding further arbitrarily ausgestaltetes Light module for generating the further light distribution, for example. A low-beam module for generating the dimmed light distribution, have.

It is proposed that the activation of the spotlight module is coordinated with the activation of the at least one light source of the sub-modules of the headlight, so that if other road users have been detected in a zone, at least that part of the spot distribution which would lie in the zone in which the other road user detects is deactivated simultaneously with the deactivation of the at least one submodule of the base light module to be deactivated has been. According to this development, not only with the basic distribution is dynamically responded to other road users to avoid glare, but also with the spot distribution. It is crucial that the control of the light sources of the spotlight module is tuned to the control of the light sources of the sub-modules of the basic light module. Since the spot distribution is usually subdivided finer than the basic distribution according to the present invention, it may be necessary to deactivate several subareas of the spot distribution, while at the same time deactivating a single block segment of the fundamental distribution may be sufficient to prevent dazzling the other road user.

It is conceivable that the spotlight module can only be activated or deactivated as a whole. This would mean that the entire spotlight module has to be switched off in order to avoid dazzling a detected other road user. Thanks to the subdivision of the basic light module into a plurality of block segments, of which even in the case of oncoming or preceding road users, those who are still outside the zone in which the other road user has been detected, the far area in front of the vehicle is in spite of switched off spotlight module is still better illuminated by the activated block segments of the basic distribution of the high beam light distribution than in the case of pure dimmed light distribution (especially low beam light distribution) would be the case. In this way, therefore, a simple structure, inexpensive dynamic Teilfernlicht can be realized. Furthermore, it would also be conceivable for the spotlight module to have a variable diaphragm arrangement arranged in the beam path, which makes it possible to hide parts of the spot distribution of the high beam light distribution if required, in the manner of the partial high beam described above.

Since a four-wheeled motor vehicle usually has two headlights, it is conceivable to design the two headlights or the basic light modules provided therein differently, in particular asymmetrically, so that they produce different parts of the basic distribution of the high beam light distribution. In this connection, it is proposed that one of the two headlamps comprises a light module that generates the block segments of a left side of the basic distribution, and the other headlamp includes another light module that generates the block segments of a right side of the basic distribution, so that the block segments of the Add and / or overlay the light modules of the two headlamps to the entire basic distribution. In particular, it would be conceivable that the block segments of the right and left mounting side overlap in the middle of the basic distribution. In this case, the degree of superposition can be dynamically varied by horizontal pivoting of the light modules or headlights of the right and / or left mounting side during operation of the headlight system.

With the present invention, it is possible for the first time to make visible to the outside that a vehicle can generate or generate a partial remote light depending on the driving and traffic situation. Others (concerning the with the According to the light module according to the invention provided vehicle ahead, passing or parallel or standing and running transversely to the vehicle or standing as well as oncoming) road users can clearly see how individual sub-modules of the basic light module depending on driving situation dynamically switched on or off. As a result, technical progress in the field of partial high-beam lighting can be communicated to the outside world.

The division of a basic distribution (a so-called halo high-beam light) into different smaller block segments allows a different dimensioning of the light surface and the light sources and optical elements used for this purpose (for example, primary optics, attachment optics, bundling optics, reflectors, etc.). Both reflection systems, conventional projection systems and direct imaging projection systems can be used as submodules. Depending on the choice of the distance of an optical element to the light source (e.g., LED chip) and focal length of the optical element, the light source (e.g., a single LED chip) may be imaged directly into the street space. In the beam path of the light bundled by the optical element, a secondary optics can be arranged, which projects the light in front of the vehicle. The secondary optics may be formed as a projection lens or as a reflector. The secondary optics may be assigned as one element of all sub-modules. Or the secondary optics is subdivided into several sub-optics elements, which are each assigned to one or a group of sub-modules.

Each of the individual block segments of the basic distribution or each of the individual block segments generating light source is separately controllable, which is a dynamic Adaptation to the particular road condition or the respective traffic situation in the environment of the vehicle in the entire light distribution allows. The driver of the vehicle drives in any driving condition with maximum high beam, not only in the core area of the high beam distribution (in the area of the spot distribution, for example, the matrix of a matrix beam or the strip of a marker light), but in the entire zone of light distribution above the horizon , Excluded or shadowed is only the locally limited, exact zone of the spot distribution (eg matrix element or strip), were detected in the other road users and was hidden to avoid dazzling the other road users from the high beam light distribution, and according to the invention the or the respective block segments of the basic distribution assigned to the zone.

The light module according to the invention with the individually electrically controllable sub-modules for generating the block segments can, for example, also be used to realize a curve light functionality without the corresponding mechanism with moving parts. The dynamics of the light module comes from the switching on and off of light sources for generating the block segments of the basic distribution.

Figur 1

einen aus dem Stand der Technik bekannten Scheinwerfer zur Erzeugung eines Abblendlichts und eines Fernlichts;

Figur 2

einen Teil einer von einem aus dem Stand der Technik bekannten Lichtmodul bzw. Scheinwerfer erzeugten Teil-Fernlichtlichtverteilung;

Figur 3

eine aus dem Stand der Technik bekannte Teil-Fernlichtlichtverteilung;

Figur 4

einen aus dem Stand der Technik bekannten Scheinwerfer mit einem Xenon-Bifunktions-Modul;

Figur 5

oben eine von einem aus dem Stand der Technik bekannten LED-Spotlicht-Modul erzeugte Spotverteilung einer Fernlicht-Lichtverteilung;

Figur 5

unten eine von einem beliebigen aus dem Stand der Technik bekannten Lichtmodul erzeugte Grundverteilung einer Fernlicht-Lichtverteilung;

Figur 6

einen aus dem Stand der Technik bekannten Scheinwerfer mit einem Lichtmodul zur Erzeugung einer Grundverteilung einer Fernlicht-Lichtverteilung und mit einem LED-Spotlicht-Modul zur Erzeugung einer Spotverteilung der Fernlicht-Lichtverteilung;

Figur 7

eine aus dem Stand der Technik bekannte Lichtverteilung eines Markierungslichts;

Figur 8

einen aus dem Stand der Technik bekannten Scheinwerfer mit einem Lichtmodul zur Erzeugung einer Grundverteilung einer Fernlicht-Lichtverteilung und mit einem LED-Matrix-Modul zur Erzeugung einer Spotverteilung der Fernlicht-Lichtverteilung;

Figur 9

eine mittels eines aus dem Stand der Technik bekannten LED-Matrix-Moduls erzeugte Spotverteilung einer Fernlicht-Lichtverteilung;

Figur 10

verschiedene Ausführungsformen eines Unter-Moduls eines erfindungsgemäßen Grundlicht-Moduls;

Figur 11

einen erfindungsgemäßen Scheinwerfer gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Figur 12

einen erfindungsgemäßen Scheinwerfer gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Figur 13

einen erfindungsgemäßen Scheinwerfer gemäß noch einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Figur 14

eine Tabelle mit verschiedenen Verkehrssituationen (1. Zeile), entsprechenden Ansteuerungen der Unter-Module des erfindungsgemäßen Lichtmoduls (2. Zeile), entsprechenden Grundverteilungen einer Fernlicht-Lichtverteilung (3. Zeile) und entsprechenden Spotverteilungen der Fernlicht-Lichtverteilung (4. Zeile);

Figur 15

ein beispielhaft gezeigtes Blocksegment der Grundverteilung zur Veranschaulichung der Intensitätsverteilung innerhalb des Blocksegments; und

Figur 16

eine Intensitätsverteilung über die gesamte Breite der Grundverteilung einer Fernlicht-Lichtverteilung.

Further features and advantages of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures, wherein the invention may have the specified features not only in the described and illustrated combination, but also in any other combination. Show it:

FIG. 1

a known from the prior art headlamp for generating a low beam and a high beam;

FIG. 2

a portion of a partial high-beam light distribution generated by a light module or headlamp known from the prior art;

FIG. 3

a known from the prior art partial high beam light distribution;

FIG. 4

a known from the prior art headlights with a xenon Bifunktions module;

FIG. 5

above, a spot distribution of a high-beam light distribution produced by an LED spotlight module known from the prior art;

FIG. 5

below, a fundamental distribution of a high beam light distribution produced by any light module known in the art;

FIG. 6

a known from the prior art headlamp with a light module for generating a basic distribution of a high beam light distribution and with an LED spotlight module for generating a spot distribution of the high beam light distribution;

FIG. 7

a known from the prior art light distribution of a marker light;

FIG. 8

a known from the prior art headlamp with a light module for generating a basic distribution of a high beam light distribution and with an LED matrix module for generating a spot distribution of the high beam light distribution;

FIG. 9

a spot distribution of a high-beam light distribution generated by means of an LED matrix module known from the prior art;

FIG. 10

various embodiments of a sub-module of a basic light module according to the invention;

FIG. 11

a headlamp according to the invention according to a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 12

a headlamp according to the invention according to a further preferred embodiment;

FIG. 13

a headlamp according to the invention according to yet another preferred embodiment;

FIG. 14

a table with different traffic situations (1st line), corresponding controls of the submodules of the light module according to the invention (2nd line), corresponding basic distributions of a high beam light distribution (3rd line) and corresponding spot distributions of the high beam light distribution (4th line);

FIG. 15

an exemplified block segment of the basic distribution for illustrating the intensity distribution within the block segment; and

FIG. 16

an intensity distribution over the entire width of the basic distribution of a high beam light distribution.

In the FIGS. 11 to 13 Various examples of embodiments of a headlamp 78 according to the invention are shown. The headlight 78 comprises a housing made of plastic, in which a light module 80 according to the invention for generating a basic distribution of a high beam is arranged. The basic light module 80 comprises a plurality of sub-modules 82, which in the embodiments of the FIGS. 11 and 13 are arranged side by side in a bent or angled line. In the embodiment of FIG. 12 the sub-modules are arranged side by side or one above the other in several rows and columns. In the light module 80 off FIG. 12 are three stacked and offset back to each other arranged rows each provided with two sub-modules 82. Independently of their arrangements, the sub-modules 82 generate the block segments that complement each other to the basic distribution of the high-beam light by being aligned in the desired manner and / or by using suitable optical elements (for example front optics, lenses, reflectors). It is noted that the light module 80 can be arranged at any point in the front region of the motor vehicle.

In addition to the basic light module 80, a further light module 84 for generating a spot distribution is provided in the headlights 78, which is provided for superposition with the basic distribution, so that there is a high-beam light distribution. In the headlight 78 off FIG. 11 the spotlight module 84 is formed as a reflection system, the reflector being visible to the outside. In the embodiment of FIG. 12 the spotlight module 84 is formed as a projection system, wherein in FIG. 12 the projection lens is visible to the outside. The spotlight modules 84 from the FIGS. 11 and 12 preferably use gas discharge lamps or LEDs as light sources (not visible). In the embodiment of FIG. 13 For example, the spotlight module 84 is designed as an LED module, wherein an optical array with six array elements is visible to the outside. In the illustrated example, the optics array comprises six elements arrayed in two rows and three columns. Behind it, ie, opposite to the light exit direction, hides an LED array with a plurality of matrix-like LEDs. Each element of the optical array is preferably associated with at least one of the LEDs of the LED array.

The light modules 80, 84 of the headlights 78 are designed to produce a high-beam light distribution, which consists of a superimposition of a spot distribution and a basic distribution. The basic distribution is divided into several fuzzy block segments, which can overlap at their edges. The generated high-beam light distribution can already meet the statutory requirements for high beam, for example, that are defined in the ECE or the corresponding SAE regulations, without the need for overlapping the high-beam light distribution with further light distributions, for example a dimmed light distribution. This means in particular that the high-beam light distribution illuminates both an area above a light / dark boundary of a dimmed light distribution and a region below the light / dark boundary of the light distribution.

But it is also conceivable that the high beam light distribution only an area above the light / Dark border of a dimmed light distribution illuminates and only by an overlay with dimmed light distribution, eg. A fog light or low beam distribution, a high beam is produced, which meets the legal requirements. In this case, an additional light module for generating the dimmed light distribution can be arranged in each of the housings of the headlight 78. Such additional light modules are, however, in the FIGS. 11 to 13 not shown or unspecified. Furthermore, any other light modules and / or light modules (not shown) may be arranged in the housings of the headlight 78 in order to produce any other lighting functions or lighting functions (eg flashing light, position, boundary or parking light).

It is conceivable that the sub-modules 82 of the basic light module 80, when no high beam is generated, for example. In closed areas or with sufficient visibility, be used to generate a daytime running light.

Various preferred embodiments of the sub-modules 82 are, for example, in FIG. 10 shown. It is in FIG. 10 a projection system 82a shown above, in which the light generated by the LEDs 86, optionally after bundling, for example. By means of an optical attachment, at least partially passes by a vertical aperture arrangement 88. Of course, the shutter arrangement 88 could also extend in a horizontal plane or be formed as a diaphragm roller. The light which has passed the diaphragm arrangement 88 is projected in front of the vehicle by a secondary optics 90 in order to produce the desired light distribution of the block segment. The secondary optics 90 is formed in the illustrated embodiment as a projection lens, but could also be a reflector. Below is in FIG. 10 a reflection system 82b is shown, in which the light emitted by the one or more LEDs 86, optionally after bundling, for example by means of an optical attachment, is reflected by a reflector 92 for generating a desired light distribution in front of the vehicle.

Again below that is in FIG. 10 an example of a sub-module 82c with optical attachment 94 for focusing the light generated by the one or more LEDs 86 shown. The optical attachment 94 is preferably made of an organic or inorganic glass, preferably PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), PC (polycarbonate) or silicone. The optical attachment 94 splits the light emitted by the LED 86 into two beams. A first beam passes over the LED 86 facing light entry surfaces of the attachment optics 94 in the attachment optics 94 and is coupled via remote from the LED 86 light exit surfaces 96 from this again. The beam can be bundled by refraction at the light entrance and / or light exit surfaces 96. The surfaces 96 may be curved so as to have a converging effect on passing light rays. A second beam enters into the optical attachment 94 via light entry surfaces facing the LED 86, is totally reflected at outer interfaces 98 of the attachment optics 94 at least once and then decoupled from the attachment optics 94 by the light exit surfaces 96. The second beam may be focused by refraction at the light entrance surface and / or the light exit surface 96 and by the total reflection at the interfaces 98.

It is conceivable to use the light output surfaces of optical fibers as light sources for the sub-modules. there At a certain point, light is coupled into the optical waveguide from any light source, forwarded in it by total reflection, and finally coupled out in such a way that it can be used to generate a block segment.

Due to the low technical requirements for a light module for generating the block segments of the basic distribution of a high beam, many different technologies and combinations are possible. The basic light modules are preferably as one line (one next to the other at about the same height as in the table of FIG. 14 shown). But they can also be called a bent or kinked line (one beside the other as in the FIGS. 11 and 13 shown), as a compact array (in several rows and columns next to or above each other like in FIG. 12 shown) or as arranged arbitrarily in the headlight or in the bumper arrangement can be arranged.

Especially conceivable is a customer- and vehicle-specific arrangement with shafts (cf. FIGS. 11 and 13 ), as is already known in some vehicles for daytime running lights. Thus, in the future not only static, in the illumination not varied light distributions for daytime running lights (DRL) on the one hand and position light (POS) on the other arise, but also variable glowing block segments, which take over the technical function of at least a part of the partial high beam and the dynamics visible to the outside do. As a result, functionalities hitherto hidden for the observer and other road users can be made visible to the outside in the form of dynamic light functions.

The table in FIG. 14 shows an example of a representation the basic possibilities of interconnection or control of the sub-modules and a communication of functionality to the outside with strip / matrix beam (spot light) and block segments (background light) in the high beam case with different traffic situations. The top line of the table shows various traffic situations. Here, the road ahead of the vehicle by the reference numeral 102, the lane on the own traffic side by the reference numeral 104 and the lane on the oncoming traffic side by the reference numeral 106. In the left column of the table, the lane 102 in front of the vehicle is free, in the middle column, a preceding vehicle 108 is present on the own lane 104, and in the right column on the oncoming lane 106, two oncoming vehicles 110 are present.

In the second line is shown on the basis of a possible embodiment of a headlight according to the invention 78 suitable for the traffic driving the LEDs of the sub-modules 82 of the base light module 80 shown, with light boxes 82 are activated LEDs and dark boxes 82 'represent disabled LEDs. The high-beam light distribution is determined by a superimposition of the spot distribution 32, 72 (see row 4 of the table FIG. 14 ) generated by the high beam spot module 84 and block segments 112 generated by the activated LEDs 82 of the base light module 80 arranged in a row at the bottom of the headlight 78 (see goals 3 of the table FIG. 14 ) generated. In the left-hand column of line 2, all six LEDs 82 are activated, so that the basic distribution is formed by six block segments 112 arranged next to one another (compare line 3). It can be clearly seen that adjacent block segments 112 overlap in regions and that the segments have different heights (vertical extent). In the middle column of line 2, only two LEDs 82 for generating the block segments 112 located on the opposite lane 106 and an LED 82 for generating a block segment 112 located at the lane of the own lane 104 are activated, so that the central region in which the preceding road users 108 is excluded from the basic distribution. In the right-hand column of line 2, only three LEDs 82 are activated for generating the block segments 112 located on the own roadway 104, so that the area of the oncoming lane 106 where the oncoming road users 110 are located is excluded from the basic distribution.

In the third line of the table FIG. 14 The basic distributions corresponding to the different traffic situations (see line 1) and resulting from the respective actuation of the LEDs 82 (compare line 2), which are composed of more or fewer block segments 112 of the activated LEDs 82, are shown.

In the fourth line of the table off FIG. 14 is an example of the different traffic situations (see line 1) corresponding spot distribution 32, 72 shown. In this case, the spotlight 32, 72 is divided into a plurality of relatively narrow strips, in the example shown in 20 strips. The complete spot distribution 32, 72 covers in a horizontal direction approximately the two central block segments 112 of the basic distribution (see line 3) and in some cases also the two block segments 112 adjacent thereto. The fine strip-like subdivision of the spot distribution 32, 72 makes it possible, without the high expenditure of a matrix beam, to detect in each case the smallest possible zone of the spot distribution 32, 72 in which other road users 108, 110 were to be able to specifically exclude from the light distribution 32, 72. The strips are relatively sharply delimited at their edges, so that they can be brought much closer to the detected road users 108, 110 than is possible with the block segments 112 of the basic distribution 40 (compare line 3) of the basic light module 80 according to the invention. The activation of the spotlight module 84 is coordinated with the activation of the LEDs of the submodules 82 of the basic light module 80, so that optimal illumination of the roadway 102 in front of the vehicle is always ensured in all traffic situations (compare line 1).

The present invention is well detectable on the headlamp 78. Both the resulting basic distribution 40 and the arrangement of the sub-modules 82 which generate the basic distribution 40 are generally readily recognizable from the outside.

In FIG. 15 For example, block segment 112 is shown to illustrate the intensity distribution within block segments 112. Preferably, an intensity maximum 114 of the illuminated block segments 112 lies just above the horizon HH on the side of the block segments 112 directed toward the vertical VV. The illuminance decreases in the horizontal direction 116 and in the vertical direction 118 with increasing distance from the region 114 of the intensity maximum. In a region 120 approximately 3.degree. To 4.degree. Above a horizontal H.sub.H, the block segments 112 each have an illuminance which is approximately 1/3 of the maximum illuminance in the region 114 of the intensity maximum. The illuminance values can be displayed in those block segments 112 in the center of the basic distribution 40 (ie in the vicinity of the vertical VV) may be larger than in the block segments 112 lying at the edge of the light distribution 40.

A gradient of the illuminance of the individual block segments 112 on a side of the block segments 112 directed toward the vertical VV is greater than on a side of the block segments 112 facing away from the vertical VV. Preferably, the illuminance of the individual block segments 112 falls on one to the vertical VV horizontally from 95% of the maximum intensity of the block segment 112 to less than 5% of the intensity maximum (glare-free level) within approximately 1 ° to 3 °.

Based FIG. 16 It is clear that the regions 114 of the intensity maxima of the individual block segments 112 in the basic distribution 40 are spaced apart in the horizontal direction. The curve designated by the reference numeral 40 corresponds to the course of the illuminance E of the entire basic distribution of the high-beam light distribution, which results from a superposition of the illuminance curves 122 of the individual block segments 112. Block segments 112 arranged next to one another in the basic distribution 40 may overlap at their edges by approximately 1 ° to 3 °. Compared to the intensity distribution of the fundamental distribution 40 is in FIG. 16 also the course of the illuminance E of the spot distribution 32 is shown by way of example. The intensity maximum E_40 of the fundamental distribution 40 in the region of the vertical VV is smaller than the corresponding maximum E_32 of the spot distribution 32.

In addition to the claimed light module 80 according to the invention, the present invention also relates to a motor vehicle headlight 78 for producing a high-beam light distribution, comprising such a light module 80, which is designed to generate the basic distribution 40 of the high-beam light distribution. The high beam light distribution is formed by a superposition of the basic distribution 40 and a spot distribution 32, 72 generated by at least one other spot light module 84.

In the case of the headlight 78, it is advantageous for the light module 80 to be subdivided into a plurality of separately controllable sub-modules 82 which generate a plurality of block segments 112 of the basic distribution 40, the block segments 112 complementing the basic distribution 40, and the sub-modules 82 each having at least one light source 86 and during operation of the light module 80, the at least one light source 86 of at least that sub-module 82 'is deactivated, the block segment 112 would be in a zone in which another road user 108; 110 was detected. In this case, the activation of the light sources 86 of the submodules 82 is coordinated with the actuation of the spotlight module 84 such that at the same time as the deactivation of at least that part of the spot distribution 32, 72 which would lie in the zone in which the other road user 108 ; 110 has been detected, the at least one light source 86 of the at least one to be deactivated sub-module 82 'is deactivated.

The invention further relates to a headlight system for a motor vehicle, comprising two motor vehicle headlights 78 which are arranged laterally on the vehicle in a front region and which are each designed in the manner described above. It is proposed that one of the two headlights 78 comprises a light module 80 that generates the block segments 112 of a left side of the base distribution 40, and the other headlight 78 includes another light module 80 that supports the Block segments 112 a right side of the base distribution 40 generates, so that the block segments 112 of the light modules 80 of the two headlights 78 complement and / or superimpose to the entire basic distribution 40.

Claims (16)

Light module (80) of a motor vehicle for generating a basic distribution (40) of a high-beam light distribution, which is formed by a superposition of the basic distribution (40) and a spot distribution (32, 72) generated by at least one other module (84), characterized in that the light module (80) is subdivided into a plurality of separately controllable sub-modules (82) which generate a plurality of block segments (112) of the basic distribution (40), the block segments (112) being complementary to the basic distribution (40). Light module (80) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sub-modules (82) each have at least one light source (86), and that during operation of the light module (80) the at least one light source (86) at least that sub-module (82 ') is disabled, whose block segment (112) would lie in a zone in which another road user (108, 110) was detected. Light module (80) according to claim 2, characterized in that activation of the at least one light source (86) of the at least one deactivated sub-module (82 ') takes place in a ramped manner as soon as no other traffic participant (108, 110) has been detected in a region of the block segment (112) generated by the at least one deactivated sub-module (82 '). Light module (80) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sub-modules (82) each have at least one light source (86), wherein the light sources (86) as semiconductor light sources, in particular as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are formed. Light module (80) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the basic distribution when driving straight ahead of the motor vehicle on a virtual, at a distance in front of the light module (80) arranged vertical screen has a substantially symmetrical configuration to a vertical configuration and the basic distribution extending in the horizontal direction over a range of maximum about -30 ° to + 30 ° and minimally from about -10 ° to + 10 °. Light module (80) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the block segments each have a horizontal extension of between 3 ° and 10 ° on a vertical measuring screen arranged at a distance in front of the light module (80). Light module (80) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the block segments (112) each have a vertical extension of at least 3 ° to 5 °, preferably from 5 ° to, on a arranged at a distance in front of the light module (80) vertical screen 15 ° above a horizontal (HH) have. Light module (80) according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the block segments (112) are arranged on a vertical measuring screen arranged at a distance in front of the light module (80) in each case in an area (114) directed towards an intersection (HV) of a horizontal (HH) and a vertical (VV) ) have a maximum intensity, wherein the illuminance in the horizontal and in the vertical direction decreases with increasing distance from the region (114) of maximum intensity. Light module (80) according to claim 8, characterized in that the block segments (112) each have a maximum illuminance in the region (114) of maximum intensity in a range between 5 lx and 40 lx, in particular between 10 lx and 30 lx, most preferably between 10 lx and 20 lx. Light module (80) according to claim 9, characterized in that the block segments (112) on a spaced in front of the light module (80) arranged vertical screen in each case in the region of a horizontal (HH) have an illuminance in about 1/3 the maximum illuminance in the maximum intensity region (114). Light module (80) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a gradient of the illuminance of the individual block segments (112) on a side facing away from the vertical (VV) on a vertical measuring screen arranged at a distance in front of the light module (80) Block segments (112) is greater than on a side remote from the vertical (VV) side of the block segments (112). Light module (80) according to claim 11, characterized in that the block segments (112) each have a Have the range (114) of maximum intensity, wherein on a arranged in a distance in front of the light module (80) vertical screen the illuminance of the individual block segments (112) on a to the vertical (VV) side facing the block segments (112) within 0 , 5 ° to 10 ° horizontally, in particular from 1 ° to 5 ° horizontally, more preferably from 1 ° to 3 ° horizontally, from 95% of the maximum intensity of the block segment (112) falls to less than 5% of the maximum intensity. Light module (80) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the block segments (112) each have a maximum intensity region (114), wherein the regions (114) of maximum intensity of the individual block segments (112) in the basic distribution (40) to each other are spaced. Light module (80) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that juxtaposed block segments (112) in the basic distribution (40) overlap at their edges. Light module (80) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the block segments (112) have a rectangular, square and / or oval shape and / or the shape of a parallelogram on a vertical measuring screen arranged at a distance in front of the light module (80) , Light module (80) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the block segments (112) have a lower height than the block segments (40) on a vertical measuring screen arranged at a distance in front of the light module (80) towards the edge of the basic distribution (40). in the center in the area of a vertical (VV).

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